Contraction timer: how long are they, and how far apart?
Tap when a contraction starts and when it ends. The timer tracks how long your contractions last, how far apart they are and when it's time to call your doctor or midwife.
Once contractions start, the timer shows at a glance how long they last and how far apart they are, so you know when it's time to call your doctor or midwife. It works on your phone, tablet and computer, and your contractions stay on your own device.
How to use the contraction timer
Tap the big button when a contraction starts, and again when it fades. Each contraction goes into a list with how long it lasted and how long it was since the last one started. At the top you'll see a summary of the last hour.
If you tap by mistake, Undo takes back the last tap. Share summary sends the overview to your partner, doctor or midwife.
Your screen stays on while you're timing. If you close the page by accident, your contractions are still there when you come back.
When do you call?
For a first baby, a common rule of thumb is 5-1-1: contractions come every 5 minutes or less, last about 1 minute each, and keep that up for 1 hour. The timer shows when your contractions fit that pattern.
If you've given birth before, labor is often faster, so call sooner. In the UK, the NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit once contractions are regular and come every 5 minutes or more often. And if your doctor or midwife gave you their own instructions, follow those.
When to call straight away
Don't wait for a pattern. Call your doctor, midwife or the hospital's labor and delivery unit right away if:
- your water breaks, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smells bad;
- you're bleeding from your vagina (more than a streak of blood in the mucus);
- you have a fever;
- your baby is moving less than usual;
- you have constant, severe pain in your belly;
- you have regular contractions before 37 weeks;
- you're worried, or you can't cope with the pain at home.
For an emergency, call 911 (US and Canada), 999 (UK), 000 (Australia), 111 (New Zealand) or 112 (Ireland).
Real contractions or practice ones?
Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions come and go at random and often ease when you rest, walk around or change position. Real labor contractions get more regular, longer and stronger over time, whatever you do.
If you can't tell, start the timer. After a while you'll see whether there's a pattern.
Already past your due date? Here's what 41 weeks with no signs of labor means.
FAQ
Do I time from the start or the end of a contraction?
From the start of one contraction to the start of the next. That's how doctors and midwives count it, and how the timer works.
How long does early labor last?
It varies a lot. For a first baby, early labor often takes many hours, sometimes more than a day. Later babies usually come faster.
Is anything saved or sent?
No. Your contractions stay on your own phone or computer. The only time anything leaves your device is when you tap Share summary yourself.
Going through this right now? Talk to other parents in our The birth forum.
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